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Information technology is an industry on the rise, and business structure, job growth, and emerging technology will all shift in the coming years. Current trends are improving and presenting new functions in fields like medicine, entertainment, business, education, marketing, law enforcement, and more. Still, other much-anticipated technology is only now coming on the scene.

Innovations in IT change internal company processes, but they are also altering the way customers experience purchasing and support — not to mention basic practices in life, like locking up your home, visiting the doctor, and storing files. The following trends in information technology are crucial areas to watch in 2019 and viable considerations that could influence your future career choices.

Current Trends in Information Technology

The latest technology methods and best practices of 2019 will primarily stem from current trends in information technology. Advancements in IT systems relate to what the industry is leaning toward or disregarding now. Information technology is advancing so rapidly that new developments are quickly replacing current projections.

1. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a network of resources a company can access, and this method of using a digital drive increases the efficiency of organizations. Instead of local storage on computer hard drives, companies will be freeing their space and conserving funds. According to Forbes, 83 percent of enterprise workloads will be in the cloud by 2020, which means 2019 will show an increasing trend closing in on this statistic.

Cloud storage and sharing is a popular trend many companies have adopted and even implemented for employee interaction. A company-wide network will help businesses save on information technology infrastructure. Cloud services will also extend internal functions to gain revenue. Organizations that offer cloud services will market these for external products and continue their momentum.

Organizations will transfer their stored files across multiple sources using virtualization. Companies are already using this level of virtualization, but will further embrace it in the year to come. Less installation across company computers is another positive result of cloud computing because the Internet allows direct access to shared technology and information. The freedom of new products and services makes cloud computing a growing trend.

2. Mobile Computing and Applications

Mobile phones, tablets, and other devices have taken both the business world and the personal realm by storm. Mobile usage and the number of applications generated have both skyrocketed in recent years. Now, 77 percent of Americans own smartphones — a 35 percent increase since 2011. Pew Research Center also shows using phones for online use has increased and fewer individuals use traditional Internet services like broadband.

Experts project mobile traffic to increase even further in 2019, and mobile applications, consumer capabilities, and payment options will be necessary for businesses. The fastest-growing companies have already established their mobile websites, marketing, and apps for maximized security and user-friendliness. Cloud apps are also available for companies to use for on-the-go capabilities.

3. Big Data Analytics

Big data is a trend that allows businesses to analyze extensive sets of information to achieve variety in increasing volumes and growth of velocity. Big data has a high return on investment that boosts the productivity of marketing campaigns, due to its ability to enable high-functioning processing. Data mining is a way companies can predict growth opportunities and achieve future success. Examination of data to understand markets and strategies is becoming more manageable with advances in data analytic programs.

This practice in information technology can be observed for its potential in data management positions for optimal organizations. Database maintenance is a growing sector of technology careers. To convert various leads into paying customers, big data is an essential trend to continue following in 2019.

4. Automation

Another current trend in the IT industry is automated processes. Automated processes can collect information from vendors, customers, and other documentation. Automated processes that check invoices and other accounts-payable aspects expedite customer interactions. Machine processes can automate repetitive manual tasks, rather than assigning them to employees. This increases organization-wide productivity, allowing employees to use their valuable time wisely, rather than wasting it on tedious work.

Automation can even produce more job opportunities for IT professionals trained in supporting, programming, and developing automated processes. Machine learning can enhance these automated processes for a continually developing system. Automated processes for the future will extend to groceries and other automatic payment methods to streamline the consumer experience.

Emerging Trends in Information Technology

Trends in information technology emerging in 2019 are new and innovative ways for the industry to grow. These movements in information technology are the areas expected to generate revenue and increase demand for IT jobs. Pay attention to these technological changes and unique products that enhance business operations.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Smart Machines

Artificial intelligence harnesses algorithms and machine learning to predict useful patterns humans normally identify. Smart machines take human decision-making out of the equation so intelligent machines can instigate changes and bring forward solutions to basic problems. Companies are rallying around artificial intelligence in the workplace because it allows employees to use their abilities for the most worthwhile tasks, along with management of these smart machines for a more successful system.

The U.S. Army is applying artificial intelligence measures from Uptake Technologies to vehicles mainly used in peacekeeping missions for repair purposes. Their predictive software will reduce irregular maintenance and hone in on machine components that are more likely to deteriorate or get damaged. Predictive vehicle repairs can grow and extend to civilian purposes in the coming years.

AI face recognition is beginning to help with missing people reports, and it even helps identify individuals for criminal investigations when cameras have captured their images. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, face recognition is most effective when AI systems and forensic facial recognition experts team up. AI will continue to promote safety for citizens in the future as software improvements shape these applications.

Medical AI is another trend that reflects surprising success. Given patient information and risk factors, AI systems can anticipate the outcome of treatment and even estimate the length of a hospital visit. Deep learning is one way AI technology gets applied to health records to find the likelihood of a patient’s recovery and even mortality. Experts evaluate data to discover patterns in the patient’s age, condition, records, and more.

Home AI systems are also increasingly popular to expedite daily tasks like listening to tunes, asking for restaurant hours, getting directions, and even sending messages. Many problem-solving AI tools also help in the workplace, and the helpfulness of this technology will continue to progress in 2019.

AI careers are increasing in demand, but the nature of AI skills is shifting. AI projects have caught on throughout many businesses, but the outlook of company leaders is more than the projects are returning without properly equipped personnel to implement strategic AI advances. Positions related to AI are necessary to fulfill the potential of these enterprises.

2. Virtual Reality

Technology that includes virtual reality is becoming prevalent. The software of virtual reality is making many industries prepared for various scenarios before entering them. The medical profession is projected to use virtual reality for some treatments and interactions with patients in the coming years. Virtual training sessions for companies can cut costs, fill in the need for personnel, and increase education.

According to Gartner, by 2023, virtual simulations for selected patients with specific illnesses will reduce emergency room visits in America by 20 million. These simulations will have intelligence capabilities, so virtual-reality care can still provide patients with proper attention.

Virtual-reality professionals will be in high demand in coming years as the technology catches on in various industries. Specialized fields are the main places where virtual reality has caught on, but experts project it will become more applicable to other technological advances. Backgrounds in optics and hardware engineering are particularly sought-after skills.

3. Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is a more versatile and practical version of virtual reality, as it does not fully immerse individuals in an experience. Augmented reality features interactive scenarios that enhance the real world with images and sounds that create an altered experience. The most common current applications of this overlay of digital images on the surrounding environment include the recent Pokémon Go fad or the additions on televised football in the U.S.

Augmented reality can impact many industries in useful ways. Airports are implementing augmented-reality guides to help people get through their checks and terminals as quickly and efficiently as possible. Retail and cosmetics are also using augmented reality to let customers test products, and furniture stores are using this mode to lay out new interior design options.

The possibilities for augmented reality in the future revolve around mobile applications and health care solutions. Careers in mobile app development and design will be abundant, and information technology professionals can put their expertise to use in these interactive experiences.

4. Blockchain Data

Blockchain data, like the new cryptocurrency Bitcoin, is a secure method that will continue to grow in popularity and use in 2019. This system allows you to input additional data without changing, replacing, or deleting anything. In the influx of shared data systems like cloud storage and resources, protecting original data without losing important information is crucial.

The authority of many parties keeps the data accounted for without turning over too much responsibility to certain employees or management staff. For transaction purposes, blockchain data offers a safe and straightforward way to do business with suppliers and customers. Private data is particularly secure with blockchain systems, and the medical and information technology industries can benefit equally from added protection.

5. Cyber-Privacy and Security

Shared company systems and the growth of the Internet leave a high amount of personal and company data at risk to breaches. Redesigned systems and new firewalls and gateways will be added to the services companies need to bolster their technology. Cybersecurity is a concentration of IT that will help secure clouds and improve the trust between businesses and their vendors.

Recognition software will replace much of the password-protected systems companies use in 2019. Biometric measures and other safety protocols will increase the security of business practices, especially business-to-business interactions. Although authentication and recognition programs enhance protection, Internet of Things technology requires further development. The vulnerability of Internet of Things systems is already projected to contain risks the industry is not prepared for.

As the Internet and shared company networks increase, cybersecurity and privacy are vulnerable to infiltration. However, many companies are already aware of the projected weak spots in their technology. IT professionals need to address these issues and find practical and fortifying solutions.

6. Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging movement of products with integrated Wi-Fi and network connectivity abilities. Cars, homes, appliances, and other products can now connect to the Internet, making activities around the home and on the road an enhanced experience. Use of IoT allows people to turn on music hands-free with a simple command, or lock and unlock their doors even from a distance.

Many of these functions are helping organizations in customer interaction, responses, confirmations, and payments. Remote collection of data assists companies the most. IoT almost acts like a digital personal assistant. The intelligent features of some of these IoT products can aid in many company procedures. Voice recognition and command responses will allow you to access stored data on cloud services.

IoT enriches the IT industry, especially in job creation. Within the next few years, IoT-related careers will increase, and there will be a need for 200,000 additional IT workers, according to IT Pro Today. Design, troubleshooting, and support of IoT products need extensive training and a specific set of skills.

Information Technology Careers

The growth in this industry and the projected technology movements call for more workers who are qualified to contribute to data mining or even cloud computing. Information technology is steadily progressing and opening new possibilities for careers. For 2019 and beyond, the latest trends in information technology will produce new opportunities for management, support, development, and more in companies.

Digital transformation is causing new careers in information technology to pop up, and more than 5 million new positions will be available by 2027. IT is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world today, and beginning a career in information technology at this point will put you in a position for success and further progress. The projected trends in 2019 call for IT professionals who can address the potential risks and push the industry further in innovation.

Information Technology Education and Training

Information technology positions start with training. Seeking a job in the IT industry requires thorough education in these emerging trends and a forward-thinking viewpoint. Because it is such a fast-growing industry, keeping up with the trends and advancements in technology is vital. The IT positions that will be available in the future are related to data analytics, infrastructure, cloud management and support, security across networks, and IoT.

If you want to take advantage of the growth opportunities an IT career can allow you, learn more about the Information Technology Programs we offer at Vista College.

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